Pulaski, Tenn. – The #4 University of Tennessee Firehawks (20-1) used a big first half to fly past the #25 SCAD Bees (13-7-1) 6-1 on Saturday.

The Firehawks dazzled the huge Grissom Pitch crowd with five quick goals. In the 9th minute, Estelle Badoedana Ekada put UTS out in front from the assist by Keito Ido. Ekada's shot struck the left post and bounded in the net off the back of SCAD goalie Paige Hickman. In the 15th minute, Yuki Watari beat Hickman on the well-placed cross of Ekada. Ido scored on the double assist by Mackenzie Stroebel and Adisa Amang in the 21st minute. Ekada and Ido teamed up again for the fourth UTS goal in the 30th minute. In the 38th minute, Amang cashed in a one-on-one opportunity against Hickman set up by a long pass from Lily Fisk. UTS held a commanding 17-5 shot advantage in the opening half.

In the second half, Ekada elevated her first-half brace to a hat trick in the 52nd minute from the pass by Amang. The Bees would crack the goose egg when Sydney Chura would sneak a shot by keeper Gabby Kennedy. SCAD would hold the second-half shot advantage 7-6. Kennedy would record five saves on six shots on goal.

"To win 6-1 against a quality, well-coached SCAD side who are ranked #25 in the nation speaks volumes about our attacking threat," commented Coach Will Austin. "SCAD has two excellent forwards, and credit our defenders for shutting them down, it wasn't an easy task. We showed great teamwork today as a squad to get the job done while playing without a 3-time All-American. We can't wait to head to Orange Beach and compete in another National Tournament final site! Thank you so much to our amazing crowd this afternoon they helped us a lot!!"

NEXT UP

The Firehawks will travel to Orange Beach, Ala. to be one of 10 teams competing for the NAIA Championship. The matches will be contested at the Orange Beach Sportsplex beginning November 30th with the Finals on December 6th. The #4 Firehawks will play at 7 pm on Thursday December 2nd, against the #8 Knights of Marian University. Live stats and live video will be available via the NAIA.